2018 Ford Focus ST Owners Manual - Hill Start Assist - Vehicles With: 4.2 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen

Hill Start Assist - Vehicles With: 4.2 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen

WARNING:  The system does not replace the parking brake. When you leave your vehicle, always apply the parking brake.    WARNING:  You must remain in your vehicle when the system turns on. At all times, you are responsible for controlling your vehicle, supervising the system and intervening, if required. Failure to take care may result in the loss of control of your vehicle, serious personal injury or death.    WARNING:  The system turns off if there is a malfunction or if you excessively rev the engine.

The system makes it easier for you to pull away when your vehicle is on a slope without using the parking brake.

When the system activates, your vehicle remains stationary for a few seconds after you release the brake pedal.This gives you time to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. The brakes release when the engine has developed sufficient torque to prevent your vehicle from rolling down the slope.

Using Hill Start Assist

1. Bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the brake pedal pressed.

1. Select a gear.

Note:   The system activates if the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope.

1. Pull away in the normal manner.

Note:   When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle remains on the slope without rolling away for a few seconds. This hold time increases if you are in the process of driving off.

Switching Hill Start Assist On or Off

Vehicles with Manual Transmission

To switch hill start assist on or off, use the information display controls on the steering wheel to select the following:

The system remembers the last setting when you start your vehicle.

Note:   There is no indicator to indicate whether the system is on or off.

Vehicles with Automatic Transmission

The system turns on when you switch the ignition on and you cannot switch the system off.

Hill Start Assist Information Messages